Which statement best describes an impervious surface?

Which statement best describes an impervious surface?

• A. It prevents water infiltration
• B. It enhances infiltration
• C. It is a natural soil feature
• D. It reduces runoff

Answer: (A)

An impervious surface is a surface that water cannot infiltrate into the soil. This includes paved areas like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Because infiltration is blocked, rainfall becomes surface runoff instead of soaking in, which often leads to higher and faster runoff that can carry pollutants and overwhelm drainage systems. So the best description is that it prevents water infiltration. The other statements don’t fit: it doesn’t enhance infiltration, it isn’t a natural soil feature, and it doesn’t reduce runoff—in fact, it increases it.

An impervious surface is a surface that water cannot infiltrate into the soil. This includes paved areas like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Because infiltration is blocked, rainfall becomes surface runoff instead of soaking in, which often leads to higher and faster runoff that can carry pollutants and overwhelm drainage systems. So the best description is that it prevents water infiltration. The other statements don’t fit: it doesn’t enhance infiltration, it isn’t a natural soil feature, and it doesn’t reduce runoff—in fact, it increases it.